Hazel said....

> Does anyone have ny experince of keeping British
> native sundew plants

There are a bunch of UK CPers to be found at:

http://www.cpukforum.co.uk

You could try asking there.

> - can I use ericaceous compost?

I would suggest using 50:50 peat and silica sand (or similar).

> What about feeding - if there are no insects around that
> are small enough?

They don't really need much and will probably be fine without
any extra feeding. They can handle suprisingly big insects
anyway. If you were really keen you might culture fruit flys
for them...

> What about moisture - can they survive in waterlogged substrate?

Generally, sit the pot in an inch or so of water during the growing
period. A bit drier when dormant (ie the winter).

> I am interestd as I would like to know whether it is possible to
> keep these alive and healthy in the UK.

Certainly possible.

> Does anoyone know whether it is possible to keep them indoors
> or would outdoors be better?

Outdoors (depending on conditons) is probably ideal but indoors
on a windowsill would most likely work too.

> Are they sensitive to poor air quality?

Not especially, in my experience with outer species.

> Shouil I use rainwater rather than tap water?

Rainwater is definitely the way to go. Otherwise you can use
distilled or RO water. Tap water, unless you live in a very
soft water area, is generally a bad thing...

> Is there anywhere I could get a tropical specimen to try -
> would anyone send one to me?

There are various UK based online suppliers of CPs. Try there.
Info can be found at the CPUK forum...

Hope the above helps, even a little bit.

Andrew, in NZ.


Andrew Broome.
Fonterra Research Centre,
Palmerston North
New Zealand.

"A complex system that does not work is invariably found
to have evolved from a simpler system that worked perfectly."




CAUTION: This email message and accompanying data may contain information that
is confidential and subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended
recipient, you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying
of this message or data is prohibited. If you have received this email message
in error, please notify Fonterra Research Centre immediately and erase all
copies of this message and attachments. Thank you.